“I am shocked and saddened by the untimely death of Judy Copeland, General Counsel to the Governor. The times that I had the pleasure of working with her she was very professional, open and friendly. It's unfortunate any time someone’s life is cut short by stroke, but it’s particularly disturbing when it’s someone as young and healthy as she.

"I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to my friend Senator Burrage on his election as the next Minority Leader in the Oklahoma State Senate. I have had the privilege of working with Sean for several years and have seen first hand his thoughtfulness and temperament. Though we may not agree on every issue, I believe Senator Burrage to be a man of integrity who will facilitate a healthy and honest public debate as the Senate works to move Oklahoma forward."

Claremore lawmaker Sean Burrage has been chosen to serve as the next Senate Democratic Floor Leader. Members of the caucus held a vote on Tuesday to decide who would follow Sen. Andrew Rice in the leadership post. Rice, D-Oklahoma City, recently announced he would resign from the Senate effective January 15.
Burrage said he was honored to lead the Senate Democrats in 2012.

Senate author of the original Stand Your Ground law and co-author of the amended version extending protection to businesses, Sen. Harry Coates is concerned about the misinformation being promoted by advocates pushing for Jerome Ersland’s release. Advocates have stated there was a “loophole” in the law that failed to protect the rights of the pharmacist, but Coates says this is not the case.

State Capitol, Oklahoma City –Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman said if anyone wanted further proof about the need for lawsuit reform in Oklahoma, they should just look at Monday’s 11th hour rush by trial attorneys to file cases before a series of new laws took effect on November 1.

According to the Oklahoma County Court Clerk’s office, on a typical day, 50 to 70 civil suits are filed. On Monday alone, 532 lawsuits were filed, 310 of which were negligence cases, compared to an average of 5 to 10 negligence cases a day.

OKLAHOMA CITY The task force charged with recommending reforms in Oklahomas tax system has completed its work. Copies of the report were given to Gov. Mary Fallin, President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman and Speaker Kris Steele on Friday.

Senator Mike Mazzei served as Co-chair of the task force. He told the governor and legislative leaders that as they and members of the Legislature consider the panels proposals, it was his hope that the taxpayers of Oklahoma would be the main priority throughout the process.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Thursday, following the Contingency Review Board (CRB) vote to approve the settlement agreement in the case of D.G., by Next Friend, G. Gail Stricklin, et al., v. Brad Yarbrough, Chairman of the Oklahoma Commission for Human Services, et al.:

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Tuesday in response to the certification of revenue figures by the Oklahoma Board of Equalization. The Board of Equalization’s certified revenue figures indicate approximately $6.5 billion in revenue available for the state budget in fiscal year 2013.

Sen. Dan Newberry recently hosted a Christmas reception for spouses of deployed military members at the state Capitol. The reception followed an October luncheon where military spouses were able to meet, share their personal stories and strengthen their bond with members of the local military community.

Maj. Gen. Myles Deering, adjutant general of the Oklahoma National Guard, spoke to the group about the importance of a support network for military families and provided an update on the progress of construction at the Thunderbird Chapel at Camp Gruber.

Oklahoma Senate President Pro Tempore Brian Bingman issued the following statement Friday after the Oklahoma State and Education Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB) pharmacy plan vote:

Fridays vote to adopt a new prescription drug plan for state employees was the result of thoughtful cooperation between the public and private sectors to ensure members will have the option of supporting home town pharmacies while enjoying significant savings.